Time signal selector switch



Feb. 13, 1951 c. G. JUDD TIME SIGNAL SELECTOR SWITGH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed 001;. 2l, 1946 INVENTOR.

CLARE G, JUDD 5 l( Iva ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1951 c. G. JUDD 2,541,257

TIME SIGNAL SELECTOR SWITCH Filed Oct. 2l, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR.

CLARE G. J UDD ATTOR NEYS Patented Feb. 13, 1951 TIME SIGNAL SELECTORSWITCH Clare G. Judd, Highland Park, Mich.

Application October 21, 1946, Serial No. '704,668

(Cl. ZOO-37) 19 Claims.

The invention relates in general to time control apparatus and moreparticularly to a device for automatically transmitting a signal to anapparatus, instrument or machine at predetermined time intervals.

An essential object of this invention is to provide a time controlmechanism for closing any desired one of several circuits atpredetermined periods. Such circuits may operate mechanism usedforgiving signals at various locations at predeterrnned times, may beused in connection with radios to turn a set on, select stations and/or.turn a radio off at any desired period of time, r may be used with anyother device whereinl it is desirable to periodically receive anelectrical signal.

A further object is to provide a simple and economical structure foreffecting these functions.`

A` feature of this invention is to provide a switch device forcontrolling an electrical circuit having in combination a motor having aplurality of driving shafts, an element movable with one of the shaftsand having a plurality of electrical contactors, a body having aplurality of electrical contactors and a member movable with a secondshaft of different speed, and having a circuit closing conductor adaptedto periodically electrically connect single contactors on each theelement and body respectively.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a switch device having incombination a clock including hour and minute mechansim, a disc movablewith the minute mechanism having a plurality of electrical contactors, ashell having a plurality of electrical contactors, an annular ringmovable with the hour mechanism and having a single circuit closingconductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactorson each the discand shell respectively, a plurality of dstribution ringscarried by the shell, and separate means on each of the conta/tors ofthe shell for selectivelycontacting one of the distribution rings.

Ano-ther feature is to provide a means for altering the relationship ofthe movable members to the stationaryshell, therebyl altering the periodof contactbetween the contactcrs and the circuit closing conductor.

The foregoing, aswell as other obiects, will be more apparentv as thisdescription proceeds, especially when considered in connection with theaccompa-nying drawings, wherein:

Figureel.A is a perspective view of the time signal selector embodyingthe features of the presentk invention;

2 Figure 2 is a sectional View taken substantially on the plane,indicated by the line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicatedby the line 3-3 of Figure 4 Figure 4 is a sectional View takensubstantially on the plane indicated by the line 4 4 0f Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is a side elevational View of the time signai selector withportions broken away for clarity; and

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6 6. of Figure 1.

In the several figures oi the drawing the numeral Ill indicates the timesignal selector having a body Il including a casing or shell i2 and aninner housing i3. The casing i2 compriss a base portion i4 for mountingthe selector le, an upwardly extending cylindrical portion l5 and acover or crystal i6. The cylindrical portion l5 is provided on its uppersurface Il with circumferentially spaced hour indicia HS which may bepainted, etched, printed or otherwise produced thereon so as to indicatethe hour of day. A plurality of electrical contactors Eil, herein shownas equal to 48 in number, are imbedded in the inner surface of thecylindrical portion l5, as shown in Figure 2, and have a relativelynarrow horizontal rdge portion 2li exposed to the interior of thecylindrical portion l5. These contactors I9 are preferably moldedintegral with the casing l2 but, if desired, may be inserted in anysuitable manner. Each of the contactors l are provided with an extendingstrip 2l which is preferably twisted, as at 22, to provide a maximumbearing surface 23 for electrical contact, to be described later. Thestrips 2l are also molded integral with the casing l2, or otherwisesecured thereto, and each has its bearing surface 33 substantially flushwith the inner surface 2d of the cylindrical portion E5 of the casingl2. Slots '15 are provided in the cylindrical portion l5 adjacent eacheX- tending strip 2| of the contactors i9.

The inner housing i3, comprising a tubular wall 26, an annular flangeportion 2l at the top of the tubular wall 2t, and a bottom flangeportion 28; is screwed or otherwise secured within the casing l2, suchas by screws 29 engaging a clamping ring 2% which bears against thebottom 28, and is provided on its outer surface 3l? with a plurality oflongitudinally spaced conducting rings or distributors 3i adjacent theslots 25 in the casing i2. The fiange 2l is adapted to receive screws 32for securing the motor or clock mechanism 33 thereto.

The contactors I9 are constructed of a conducting material such ascopper, brass or aluminum, and the casing I2 and inner housing I3 arepreferably made of an insulating material such as plastic or wood.However, the casing I2 and inner housing I3 may obviously be con*structed of a conducting material such as metal when provision is madefor insulation of the same from the contactors I9.

Separate movable selectors 34 are provided to electrically connect eachcontactor I9 with any one of the rings 3|, including a tab or handle 35extending outwardly through the slots 25 and a Spanner 3E between thecasing I2 and inner housing I3. The spanners are provided with curledportions 31 and 38 on respective ends thereof adapted to electricallycontact the strips 2I and the conducting rings 3I respectively, and toprovide sufficient resilience to remain in any selected position. Itwill be noted that the rings 3| are inset or concave slightly to insurea positive connection with the adjacent curled portion 38 of theselector 34. The Spanner may be constructed of any conducting materialsuch as copper, brass or aluminum, and should preferably be of aresilientmaterial.

In operation, it will be seen that by moving any one of the tabs 35 andtherefore the spanners 35, it is possible to electrically connect any ofthe strips 2I and contactors I9 with any one o1 the rings 3I on theinner housing I3.

The element or disc 39 comprises an insulating body portion 49 and aplurality of electrical contactors 4I, herein shown as equal to 43 innumber, spaced from the axis of rotation of the l disc 39 and imbeddedin the periphery thereof. The contactors 4I have a relatively narrowedge portion 42 in vertical alignment with the contactors I9 on thecasing I2. A conducting plate 43 is provided in the insulating body 40,in elec* trical contact with the contactors 4I, having a recessed centerportion 44 journaled with the minute mechanism of the clock 33. Theplate is preferably molded integral with the insulating body 40, but maybe inserted in any desired manner. The disc 39 is secured to the shaftor minute mechanism by means of a screw 45 or any other suitable means.A minute hand 4B is provided on the upper surface of the disc 39 forindicating the position thereof in relation to the indica I8 on thecasing I2.

An annular ring 41 is rotatably supported between the disc 39 and thecasing I2, and includes a ring portion 48 preferably of insulatingmaterial, and a plate 49 suitably connected to the shaft or hourmechanism of the motor or clock 33. A single circuit closing conductor50 is pro* vided in the annular ring 41 in vertical alignment with thecontactors on the casing I2 and the disc 39 respectively. The plate 49,if of conducting material, is insulated from the circuit closingconductor as shown, as by molding the plate integral with the ring 48 inspaced relation to the circuit closing conductor 50. An hour indicatingmember 5I is provided on the annular ring 41 above the circuit closingconductor 59 for indicating the position of the annular ring relative tothe hour indicia I8. Member 5I may be raised as indicated in Figure 2,if hand 45 is elevated to clear it, or it may be merely a suitableindicia on ring 41.

In operation, it will be seen that the annular ring 41, moving with thehour mechanism of the clock, will contact all 48 contactors on thecasing I2,each twelve hour period, or will be in contact with one of thecontactors on the casing l2 once every fifteen minutes. The disc 39revolving with the minute mechanism, will have each of its contactors 4Iopposite each of the 48 contactors on the casing I2 once in each onehour period, or twelve alignments of the respective 48 contactors eachfteen minute period. However, due to the width of the contactors on thecasing I2, and of the circuit closing conductor 50 on the annular ring41 and the relative movement thereof, alignment of the conductors I9, 59and 4I will be maintained only long enough for assurance of completionof the func tion of the accessory bells, lights, relays or such otherdevices as may be used to perform the end result desired. Moreover, thetime period of this single alignment can be increased or de creased byutilizing either the complete or incomplete period of contact of a disccontacter 4I, while one contactor I9 in the casing I2 is synchronizedwith the conductor 59 in the annular ring 41. To accomplish this, adowel 52 is positioned in the bottom 28 of the inner housing I3extending into an enlarged opening 53 in the base portion I4 of thecasing I2. The screws 29 engaging the clamping ring 29h are loosened andthe opposing set screws 54 and 55 threaded in the base portion I4 andbearing against the dowel 52 are adjusted to shift the inner housing I3in relation to the casing I2. Since all the moving parts are mounted onthe inner casing I3, the relationship of the contacts I9 and 4I can beadjusted and altered to produce a varied length of signal, or accomplishaccurate timing of the initial contact between the conductors I9, 50 and4I.

The plate portion 43 on the disc 39 is in electrical contact with theminute mechanism shaft 55 which is in turn grounded on the housing ofthe clock 33. Leads 51 are provided from each of the rings 3I andindividually may be connected to any desired circuit to directly operate.mechanism lights, etc., or preferably, to operate a relay or solenoidwhich, in turn, controls a circuit. Moreover, leads 51 are also providedfor the selector ground circuit on the clock housing as well as theclock circuit, should it be desired to employ an electric clock.

Due to the size of the contactors and the possibility of damage thereto,it is desirable to use a relatively low voltage for operation of thetime signal selector. This may be accomplished by utilizing theconventional line voltage of or 220 connected through a step-downtransformer or any other suitable means such as by the use o one or moredry or wet cells. It has been found that particularly advantageousresults may be obtained without arcing or other damage to the contactorsby using approximately 6 volts.

Although vertically spaced distribution rings 3I have been shown, it isobvious that other means such as a radial distribution could be employedwithout departing from the invention. Moreoverl any number ofdistribution rings may be used, depending on the specific conditions.

As shown in the drawings, 48 contactors are utili zed on each the casingand the disc respectively. However, this number may be increased ordecreased to give a corresponding increase or decrease of signals perunit time. For example, with the 48 contactors shown, a signal isproduced each fifteen minute period, whereas with 24 contactors, asignal would be produced each thirty minute period, and with 12contactors, the signals would be .one hour apart. Likewise, an .increasein the number of contactors, such as from 48 to 96, would produce thesignal each seven andronehalf minutes. It should be noted that by merelyreducing the number of contactors on the disc, the time signal isAsimilarly reduced. Moreover, the contactors on the casing may haveirregular spacing, such as combinations of iifteen minute and one hourtiming, described above, to `obtain more rapid or slower rates ofsignalling at vany period of the day.

Twenty-four hour operation, or greater, vmay be accomplished by using atwenty-four hour clock mechanism and correspondingly arranging thecontactors for the desired time interval. Moreover, it is possible toemploy a conventional twelve hour clock and still obtain twenty-fourhour operation yby doubling the number of distribution rings andemploying a trip switch inthe clock mechanism to utilize half of therings for one twelve hour period and the other half for the other twelvehour period.

Ordinarily it is desirable to use a single circuit closing conductor inthe annular ring operating with the hour mechanism. However, should itbe desirable to receive a series of signals, such as three signals fiveminutes apart to the same distribution ring, this could be done byhaving three circuit closing conductors within a space less than thecontactor spacing on the casing. Multiple signals to the samedistribution ring could also be accomplished by increasing the width ofthe contactors on the casing or the width of the circuit closingconductor so as to allow a longer contact between the circuit closingconductor and the casing contactors and, therefore, permit two or morecontactors on the disc to contact each time the contacts on the casingand annular ring align.

Only one selector or switch is shown in yeach slot in the drawings.However, it is obvious that if desired a plurality of switches, such asplug-in or bayonet type switches, may be employed to distribute thesignal to a number vof distribution rings.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, thecombination of a pair of shafts, means for rotating the shafts atdifferent rates of speed, a disc movable with one of the shafts andhaving a plurality of electrical contactors spaced circumferentiallyaround its periphery, a stationary shell having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced electrical ccntactors,

and an annular ring movable with the other shaft tween the contactors onsaid disc and shell respectively and having a circuit closing-conductoradapted to periodically electrically connect sin le contactors on eachsaid disc and said shell rea spectively.

3. In a switch device for an electrical circuit,

the 'combination of a clock including hour .and minute mechanism, anelement movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality ofelectrical contactors, a stationary body having a plurality ofelectrical contacter-s, a member movable with said hour mechanism andhaving a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electricallyconnect single contactcrs on each said element and said bodyrespectively, and means for varying the length of contact between thecontactors of said element and body respectively and the conductor onsaid member.

4. A switch comprising a stationary housing, a lirst set ofcircumferentially spaced contacts carried thereby in a circular array, aclock including hour and minute mechanism in said housing, a second setoi circumierentially spaced contacts disposed in a circular array anddriven by said minute mechanism in spaced concentric relationship tosaid first set of contacts, a bridging conductor driven by said hourmechanism intermediate said rst and second set of contacts in concentricrelation thereto and adapted to interconnect single ones of said llrstset of contacts with single ones of said second set of contacts in apatterned sequence.

5. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, thecombination of a clock, including hour and minute mechanism; an elementmovable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electricalcontacts about its outerl circumference; a stationary body having aplurality of electrical contacts about its inner circumference; and amember movable with the said hour mechanism embodying a circuit closingconductor interposed betr een the contacts on said stationary body andthe contacts on said moving element and adapted to contact progressivelywith single coincident contacts on each of said element and bodyrespectively.

6. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, thecombination of a clock, including hour and minute mechanism; a rotatableelement movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality ofelectrical contacts spaced about its axis of rotation; a stationary bodyhaving a plurality of electrical contacts in the same plane with thoseof the rotatable minute element; and a circuit closing conductorinterposed between the contacts on the stationary body and the contactson the rotatable minute element and adapted to contact progressivelywith single radially coincident contacts on each of the said element andbody respectively.

7. In a time controlled switch device ior an electrical circuit, thecombination of a pair of shafts; a clock for rot the shafts at dinerentrates of speed; an ement movable with one of the shafts and hat' g aplurality of electrical contacts radiating from it* axis of rotation; astationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors in planewith the contactors radiating from the moving element; a member movablewith the other shaft and having a circuit closing conductor adapted tocontact progressively with a pair of coincident contacts on the saidbody and element respectively; a clock support in said body, a pluralityof concentric parallel annular rings around the clock support; and aseparate adjustable conductor member engaging each contacter on the saidbody and adjustable to connect with the desired distributor ring forselectively distributing the electric current from a supply sourcethrough the contacts of the movable element, the closing conductor andthe contactors on said stationary body to the desired electricallyoperated mechanism.

8. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, thecombination of a pair of shafts; means for rotating 'the shafts atdifferent rates of speed; an element movable with one of the shafts andhaving a plurality of electrical contactors; a stationary body having aplurality of electrical contactors; a member movable with the othershaft and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to contactprogressively with specic single contactors on each said element andsaid body respectively; a plurality of distributors and separateadjustable means for selectivelyT electrically connecting each contacteron said body with one of said distributors.

9. In a time controlled switch device, the combination of a clock,including hour and minute mechanism, mounted in a suitable support; anelement movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality ofelectrical contacts radiating from its axis of rotation; a stationarybody concentrically surrounding the clock support and having a pluralityof electrical contacts in plane with those on the movable element of theminute mechanism; a member movable with the said hour mechanisminterposed between the said body and minute mechanism, and having anelectric contact thereon adapted to bridge coincident pairs of contactson said body and said element; a plurality of parallel distributor ringsspaced along the outside of the clock support and concentric with thecenter of rotation of the shafts of the minute and hour mechanism; and aplurality of adjustable connectors adaptable to selectively connect theelectrical contacts of the body to any desired distributor ring.

l0. In a switch device, the combination. of a clock including hour andminute mechanism; an element movable with the minute mechanism andhaving a plurality of electrical contactors; a stationary body having` aplurality or" electrical contactors; a member movable with said hourmechanism and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodicallyelectrically connect single contactors on each said element and saidbody respectively; a plurality of distributors and separate adjustablemeans for selectively electrically connecting each contacter said bodywith one of said distributors.

11. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of aclock including hour and minute mechanism; an element movable with theminute mechanism and having a plurality or? electrical contactors; astationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors; a membermovable with said hour mechanism and having oircuit closing conductoradapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on eachsaid element and said body respectively; a croc support concentricallylocated within said body; a plurality of spaced rings about said clocksupport and adjustable means for selectively elect4 cally connectingeach contacter on said body with one of said rings,

12. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of aclock including hour and minute mechanism; a stationary body haing aplurality of electrical contactors; a housing in said body forsupporting the clock; an element movable with the minute mechanism theclock and having a plurality of electrical contactors; a member movablewith said hour mechanism and having a circuit closing conductor, thecontactors on said body and element and said conductor being mounted forconcentric relative movement and positioned in relative wiping relationsuch that said conductor is adapted to periodically electrically connectsingle contactors on each said element and said body respectively, andmeans for adjusting said housing relative to said body.

13. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of apair of shafts; means for rotating the shafts as different rates ofspeed; an element movable with one of the shafts and having a pluralityof electrical contactors; a stationary body having a plurality ofelectrical contactors; a member movable with the other shaft having acircuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connectsingle contactors on each said element and said body respectively; andmeans for varying the period of connection between the contactors ofsaid element and said body respectively and the conductor on saidmember.

14. In a time controlled switch, a stationary body having a set ofspaced contacts arranged in a circular array; a pair of shafts disposedconcentrically with said contacts; means for rotating said shafts atdifferent speeds; a set of spaced contacts driven by one of said shaftsand movable in spaced relation to said rst mentioned set of contacts;and a spanning conductor driven by said other shaft, movable betweensaid sets of contacts and constructed and arranged to progressivclyconnect single contacts of one set with single contacts of the otherset.

15. A switch comprising a stationary housing; a first set ofcircumferentially spaced contacts carried thereby in a circular array; aclocl; including hour and minute mechanism in said housing; a second setof circumferentially spaced contacts disposed in a circular array anddriven by said minute mechanism in spaced concentric relation to saidfirst set of contacts; a bridging conductor driven by said hourmechanism intermediate said first and second set of contacts inconcentric relation thereto and adapted to progressively connect singleones of said first cf contacts to single contacts of said second set ofcontacts in a predetermined order in which connection to said first setis progressive from one to the next adjacent in continuous sequence, andto the second set is in predetermined, non-consecutive order.

16. A switch comprising a stationary support; a clock carried by saidsupport, said clock having hour and minute mechanism; single coaxialcircular series of circumferentially spaced contacts carriedrespectively by said support and said minute mechanism; a contact drivenby said hour mechanism coaxially with said series of contacts anddisposed to have wiping contact with both series to interconnect singlecontacts of one series with single contacts of the other series.

17. A switch comprising a stationary support; a clock carried by saidsupport, said clock having hour and minute mechanism; single coaxialcircular series of circumferentially spaced contacts carriedrespectively by said support and said minute mechanism; a contact drivenby said hour mechanism coaxially with said series of contacts anddisposed to have wiping contact with both series to interconnect singlecontacts of one series with single contacts of the other series; saidclock being angularly adjustable with respect to said support to adjustthe duration of dwell of the electrical connection through the contactdriven by said hour mechanism with the simultaneously coincident contactof each of said series oi contacts.

18. In a time controlled switch device for an electric circuit, thecombination oi a clock including hour and minute mechanism; a stationarymember having a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in a circulararray; a rst rotary member driven by said hour mechanism; a secondrotary member driven by said minute mechanism;

a plurality of electrical contacts carried by one of said rotary membersand disposed in a circular array concentric with the contacts on-saidstationary member; an electrical contact on the other of said rotarymembers; said members being disposed such that a single contact on oneof said members makes simultaneous contact with single contacts on saidother two members so as to periodically establish electrical connectionslides slidable axially in the space between the inner surface of saidshell and the outer surface of said member, said slides each having afirst contact portion continuously engageable with a strip of one ofsaid contacts and a second contact portion engageable with a selectedone of said rings; clock mechanism in said shell including hour andminute mechanisms; a circular series of contacts disposedc'oncentrically with said rst mentioned contacts and driven by one ofsaid mechanisms, a contact driven by said other mechanism, said contactsbeing disposed in wiping relation such that electrical connections arecompleted sequentially from single contacts of said circular arraythrough single contacts driven by said hour and minute mechanismsrespectively.

CLARE G. JUDD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number

